France international Rayan Cherki appears to have revealed his next Premier League destination following reports that Liverpool were attempting to hijack his potential move to Manchester City.
On Thursday night, Spain narrowly defeated France 5-4 in an action-packed Nations League semi-final at Stuttgart’s MHP Arena—a game featuring several players linked with Premier League transfers, including Nico Williams, Martin Zubimendi, and Cherki.
Of the trio, Cherki attracted the most attention, given ongoing speculation about whether he would join Manchester City or Liverpool. His future had remained uncertain—until now.
Cherki has now addressed the speculation directly, clarifying where he intends to move during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Before the match, it was reported that Cherki had reached an agreement on personal terms with Manchester City, who are expected to activate the £25 million release clause in his Lyon contract.
Speaking to Telefoot after the match—via Fabrizio Romano—the 21-year-old appeared to confirm the move, stating: “Yes… it’s getting done. But you already know my answer, everybody knows. But there’s still a game to play. Now we have to enjoy and give everything, but after it will be done.”
With personal terms settled and a release clause in place, the transfer to City seems imminent, even though Liverpool manager Arne Slot reportedly met with Cherki and his representatives last week in an effort to sway the deal.
Cherki, who primarily plays as a right winger, has attracted the interest of Pep Guardiola after a string of standout performances this season. During Thursday’s clash with Spain, he came off the bench just past the hour mark and made an immediate impact—scoring once and assisting another goal within ten minutes.
Cherki has spent his entire professional career at Ligue 1 side Lyon, where he made 44 appearances across all competitions this season, tallying 12 goals and 20 assists.
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